NYFW Spring '17 Top 10 Fashion Trends For Women Over 35

The New York Fashion Week Spring 17 shows have ended and now that it’s all said and done I think the trends are playful and sophisticated (though not terribly unexpected). I’m looking forward to seeing them start to emerge in 2017. Here is a roundup of some of the most popular trends you’ll want to have in your closet once we’re clear of winter weather.

NYFW Spring 17 Top 10 Fashion Trends

1. Slip Dresses

It’s difficult to deny the 90s are back. The slip dress was all over the runway. Keep it from looking too youthful by layering it with a button front top or turtleneck underneath, or an oversized chunky cardigan or jacket on top.

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Shown at: Alexander Wang, Dennis Basso, Narciso Rodriguez (pictured above), Elizabeth and James, Wes Gordon, Diane Von Furstenberg, Cynthia Rowley, Altuzurra, J Mendel, Alice + Olivia, Boss Women, Cushnie et Ochs, Noon by Noor

2. Wide Leg Pants

One of my hands down favorite trends. Wide leg pants are sophisticated and (worn with the right proportions) can be very slimming. Achieving that long and lean look is something we all strive for as we walk down our own personal catwalks- i.e. the sidewalk and our office hallways (or is that just me?) This should definitively be one of the trends to try. Make sure your top is fitted to create the right balance.

Shown at: Creatures of Comfort, Michael Kors, Tibi (pictured above), Jenny Packham, Lacoste, Alice + Olivia, Oscar de la Renta, Akris, Christian Siriano, Erin Featherston, Victoria Beckham, Elizabeth and James, Brandon Maxwell, Dion Lee, Derek Lam

3. Off The Shoulder Tops

Though this trend can be tricky for the over 30 set, when executed correctly the outcome is very sexy without giving too much away. Own this trend this upcoming spring and the air of confidence that comes with it! Note: we still hate cold-shoulder tops, so invest in a good strapless bra and wear an off the shoulder top or dress instead. Please.

Shown at: Bibhu Mohapatra, Zac Posen, Christian Siriano (pictured above), Delpozo, Erin Fetherston, Milly, Proenza Schouler, Vera Wang, Kate Spade, Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung, Carolina Herrera

4. Stripes (Black + White)

I think the fashion rule certain people can’t wear stripes is myth. Stripes have been on trend for several seasons now and for Spring 2017 it was bold black and white. The age-old color combo is timeless and flattering. So go thin strips or thick stripes; your choice, but just do it! Just make sure they are vertical to keep you looking slim.

Shown at: Akris, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam (pictured above), Alice + Olivia, Son Jung Wan, Carmen Marc Valvo, Christian Siriano, Milly, Proenza Schouler, Diane Von Furstenberg, Jenny Packham

5. Florals

Another trend we always see for spring is florals, however they are starting to evolve. For Spring 2017 the print got a little bolder and brighter. Not as delicate as seasons past, the new florals are punchy and fun.

Shown at: Delposo, Michael Kors, Altuzarra (pictured above), Naeem Khan, Diane Von Furstenberg, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Alexander Wang, Victoria Beckham, Jenny Packham, Prabal Gurung

6. Primary Colors

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This was another one of my favorite trends for upcoming Spring 2017. It takes us back to basics by keeping it simple but still bold. A bonus is that primary colors like blue and red look good on almost everyone and exude sexiness and power!

Shown at: Boss Women, Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Phillip Lim (pictured above), Naeem Khan, Kate Spade, Altuzarra, Lacoste, Prabal Gurung, Alice + Olivia, Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Akris, Christian Siriano

7. Sheer

Keep sheer sexy and age-appropriate by sporting it on a top that exposes your arms or decolletage or try a sheer overlay skirt that extends down to expose some leg. Just remember: exposed mid-drifts are a no-no for woman over 40.

Shown at: Noon by Noor, Carolina Herrera, Jason Wu (pictured above), J. Mendel, Kate Spade, Jenny Packham, Prabal Gurung, Monique Lhuillier, Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Siriano, Narciso Rodriguez, Marc Jacobs

8. White Dresses

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This trend can run the spectrum by being shown in a sexy silks all the way to covered-up crisp cottons. White is the ultimate seasonally appropriate color that will NEVER go out of style, so stick to a timeless cut and you have an investment piece that you’ll wear for years to come.

Shown at: Cushnie et Och, Diane Von Furstenberg, 3.1 Phillip Lim (pictured above), Carolina Herrera, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Victoria Beckham, Jenny Packham, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Prabal Gurung, Monique Lhuillier, Alice + Olivia, Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Siriano, Carmen Marc Valvo

9. Ruffles

Among all of the bold colors, stripes and silhouettes for Spring 2017, the ruffle trend was still a stand out. Whether exaggerated and ethereal or short and subtle, ruffles were in almost every major show, keeping things feminine and fun.

Shown at: Altuzarra, Creatures of Comfort, Delposo, (pictured above), Jenny Packham, Michael Kors, Monique Lhuillier, Alice + Olivia, Oscar de la Renta, Proenza Schouler, Diane Von Furstenberg, Christian Siriano,

10. Asymmetrical Hem

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The hemline got a make-over and we got a breather from the midi length straight skirt (even though we still saw a lot of them). Asymmetrical hemlines where everywhere and I love how forgiving they can be when trying to conceal body parts or shapes that are still a work on progress.

Shown at: Diane Von Furstenberg, Jill Stuart, Proenza Schouler (pictured above), Jason Wu, A Detacher, Alice + Olivia, Delpozo, Victoria Beckham, Milly, Wes Gordon, Son Jung Wan

Bonus: Bra Tops

Bra tops were all over the Spring runways, and because we are covering trends here, I found it necessary to add this one to the list. But come on ladies, if you’re over 30, under no circumstances should this make it into your rotation. It’s not appropriate (frankly, I don’t think it’s appropriate for any age). Let’s just admire this one from afar (or not). Madonna, take note.

Shown at: Alexander Wang, DKNY, Victoria Beckham (pictured above), Altuzarra, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Brandon Maxwell, Noon by Noor, Christian Siriano, Michael Kors

– Carmen Turner

Images: Vogue and NYMag

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NYFW Spring ’17 Top 10 Fashion Trends For Women Over 35